US8145821B2 - Docking station for portable electronic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A docking station apparatus interfaces a portable electronic device with one or more electrical systems of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a docking assembly having an internal cavity and configured to hold the electronic device, and a mechanical interface in the cavity and configured to provide a wired or wireless connection to the electronic device. A power supply conversion circuit translates vehicle power levels to electronic device power levels, and one or more support circuits or connectors provide different connectivity functions for the electronic device. The support circuits or connectors can include input audio/video connectors in the docking assembly to provide analog audio/video signals to an analog distribution hub; an audio/video encoder and digital data connectors to provide digitally encoded audio/video signals in a wired or wireless mode to a digital distribution hub; multiplexing circuitry to accept analog audio, composite video, or component video for multiplexing between externally supplied audio/video and locally generated audio/video; and a command and control circuit to provide command and control data, and navigation data, to the electronic device in a wired or wireless mode.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/054,767, filed on May 20, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic devices are ever increasing in popularity such as for personal entertainment. Such electronic devices are used in a variety of different environments, such as during travel in automobiles or airplanes. While there are many places a person in a traveling vehicle can place a portable electronic device, such as in a pocket of clothing, on a seat, on the floor, on the dashboard, etc., none of these places offer the stability, security, easy access, and visibility that is desirable.

Various electronic device holders have been developed such as for use in a vehicle cup holder during travel. These holders typically require power cables or other connecting cables to be used with the portable electronic device. Such cables extend from the electronic device outside of the holder in an unsightly manner for connection to an electrical system of the vehicle. These cables can be lengthy and in the way such that passengers can get entangled.

Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus for holding a portable electronic device in a suitable position while traveling in an automobile or airplane that overcomes the foregoing deficiencies.

SUMMARY

The present invention is related to a docking station apparatus for interfacing a portable electronic device with one or more electrical systems of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a docking assembly having an internal cavity and configured to hold the portable electronic device, and a mechanical interface in the cavity of the docking assembly and configured to provide a wired or wireless connection to the portable electronic device. A power supply conversion circuit translates vehicle power levels to portable electronic device power levels, and one or more support circuits or connectors provide different connectivity functions for the portable electronic device. The support circuits or connectors can include input audio/video connectors in the docking assembly to provide analog audio/video signals to an analog distribution hub; an audio/video encoder and digital data connectors to provide digitally encoded audio/video signals in a wired or wireless mode to a digital distribution hub; multiplexing circuitry to accept analog audio, composite video, or component video for multiplexing between externally supplied audio/video and locally generated audio/video; and a command and control circuit to provide command and control data, and navigation data, to the portable electronic device in a wired or wireless mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description with reference to the drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting in scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of various wired and wireless connection implementations for a docking station of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front isometric view of a docking assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a back isometric view of the docking assembly shown inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a front elevation view of the docking assembly shown inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the docking assembly as shown inFIG. 2C taken along line3-3;

FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the docking assembly shown inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the docking assembly as shown inFIG. 2C inserted into a holding device;

FIG. 6A is a front isometric view of an alternative configuration for a top housing section of a docking assembly;

FIG. 6B is a back isometric view of the top housing section of the docking assembly shown inFIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a top isometric view of the top housing section of the docking assembly shown inFIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a front isometric view of the top housing section of the docking assembly shown inFIG. 6A, holding a portable electronic device in a landscape mode;

FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of the top housing section of the docking assembly shown inFIG. 6A, holding a portable electronic device in a portrait mode;

FIG. 9 is a front isometric view of an alternative configuration of a top housing section of a docking assembly, holding a portable electronic device in a portrait mode;

FIGS. 10A-10D are elevated perspective views of a docking station according to a further embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 11A and 11B show elevated perspective views of a docking station according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The present invention is directed to a docking station for holding and interfacing personal portable electronic devices with one or more electrical systems of a vehicle. The docking station provides supporting electronic circuitry to enable a variety of connectivity options for a portable electronic device.

In one embodiment, the docking station is configured to be an insert for a drink cup holder adjacent to an automobile or aircraft seat. In another embodiment, the docking station is configured to be part of an armrest seat, or a table or trim assembly (such as an aircraft drink rail). The docking station can also be retrofitted into existing aircraft seat structures without cutting any new holes.

The docking station can provide connections for a variety of portable device types. For example, the docking station can support a number of commercially available portable wired or wireless electronic devices, such as portable media players (e.g., iPod players, Zune players, and the like), cellular phones, USB drives, video game players, karaoke equipment, as well as other audio and video sources. If a wired portable device is used, the docking station can support a commercially available connector. The docking station also supports native device connectors such as a 30-pin iPod connector.

The docking station, as depicted in the implementations ofFIGS. 2-9 discussed below, has the ability to support a portable device in alternate rotations, such as a portrait mode (upright position) or a landscape mode (e.g., turning an iPod or iPhone on its side to show movies). The docking station can be swiveled to rotate a display and controls of a portable device for the best angle. The docking station is easily removable from a cup holder, to support other powered cup holder options such as a monitor arm, or so that the cup holder can be used to support a drinking cup.

In one implementation, the docking station can connect the portable electronic device to an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system of an aircraft in a wired or wireless manner, to transport audio, video and/or transport control signals, and supports either an analog IFE or a digital IFE system. If a digital IFE system is available for use, the docking station can support alternative power strategies like Power over Ethernet. The docking station can provide the capability for interconnection with IFE command and control systems to support remotely controlling the portable device with other IFE control devices. The docking station can also provide the capability to control the IFE system, with a connected portable device running software that will facilitate that control. The docking station supports digital and/or analog connections to an IFE distribution system or local displays and speakers. If the IFE or other display or audio equipment require encoded digital signals, encode circuitry can be implemented in the docking station or cup holder docking interface.

The docking station provides a mechanical interface, such as a printed circuit board, which interfaces the portable electronic device to vehicle electrical systems such as the aircraft IFE system and/or aircraft power. The docking station also supports power and wired or wireless connectivity from the interface to the vehicle. The docking station can be implemented with various standard media connectors, such as component video (e.g., RCA connectors), composite video (e.g., RCA connectors), stereo and surround (e.g., RCA connectors), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), headphone jacks, 3.5 mm auxiliary-in jacks, USB ports, and optical fiber. Additionally, the docking station supports the ability to transmit media via wireless standards including, but not limited to, Bluetooth and 802.11x standards such as 802.11N.

The docking station provides integrated power supply conversion such as from typical aircraft power (28 VDC) to power supported by a portable electronic device. For example, the docking station can be powered by existing wiring run into drink cup holders on aircraft for other purposes, such as for powering display monitors.

The docking station of the invention is described in further detail as follows with respect to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing various electrical connection implementations for adocking station100 of the invention. It should be understood that one or more of these implementations can be employed in a docking station in various combinations, or all of the implementations can be employed in a docking station.

As shown inFIG. 1, a personalelectronic device110 has a wired or wireless connection to amechanical interface120 in thedocking station100. The electronic device can provide video (component, composite) signals and/or audio (stereo, surround) signals, as well as control and data signals, tomechanical interface120. Various circuitry can be employed to wirelessly integratedocking station100 topersonal device110. For example, such circuitry can be housed in an internal cavity ofdocking station100 or in an external support box.

The cavity and/or external support box ofdocking station100 may contain powersupply conversion circuitry122 to translate vehicle power (e.g., 28 VDC for most aircraft) to personal device power levels (e.g., 12 VDC), to support power requirements and charging. Vehicle power may be supplied directly or via integrated wiring such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) from avehicle power source132.

One or more support circuits or connectors can be employed bydocking station100 to provide different connectivity options for the portable electronic device. For example, the cavity and/or external support box ofdocking station100 may contain circuitry and/orconnectors124 to accept analog audio (left/right stereo, surround channels), composite and/or component video, to amplifiers, monitors, and/or audio/video (A/V)distribution hubs134.

The cavity and/or external support box may also contain circuitry and/or connectors (e.g., A/V encoder)128 to supply digitally encoded audio and/or video (e.g., Ethernet wiring) from the docking station to digital amplifiers, monitors, and/or A/V distribution hubs136. Circuitry and/or connectors can also be provided to wirelessly supply digitally encoded audio and/or video from the docking station to the digital amplifiers, monitors, and/or the audio/video distribution hubs136.

Multiplexingcircuitry126 and/or connectors can also be provided to accept analog audio, composite video, and/or component video for the purpose of multiplexing between the externally supplied audio and/or video and the locally generated audio and/or video.

The cavity and/or external support box may contain command and control circuitry and/or connectors130 (e.g., Ethernet, CAN bus, RS-232, RS-485, wireless) to support connectivity to a cabin management system (CMS—including IFE)equipment138 such as a command and control bus, which can provide command, control, and navigation data in a wired or wireless mode.

Thedocking station100 can also have various control implementations. External transport control (e.g., play, pause, fast forward, fast reverse, next, last, etc.) of the docking station and/or the personal device can be provided from control devices on a CMS bus. External display of media selection display options (e.g., album art, movie art, titles, artists, directors, actors, etc.) on the personal device can be displayed from control devices on the CMS bus. Control of CMS features from the personal device via software applications can also be provided if desired.

FIGS. 2A-2C depict alternative views of a docking station according to one embodiment of the invention. The docking station includes adocking assembly200 with atop housing section202 and abottom housing section204 that has a generally cylindrical shape. This allowsdocking assembly200 to fit into a vehicle cup holder, such as a drink cup holder in an aircraft, and be rotated in the cup holder to provide the best angle for viewing a portable electronic device.

Thetop housing section202 has anupper surface206 with anelongated slot207 therein as shown inFIG. 2A. Alip portion209 rises fromupper surface206 in front ofslot207 and provides support to the portable electronic device positioned for viewing in a landscape mode.

Anelectronic device connector208 is disposed inslot207 and is configured to couple with a portable electronic device (not shown). Thedocking assembly200 can provide connectivity to dock the portable electronic device via a single plug operation, a plug operation with on/off motion, wirelessly, or via COTS (commercial off the shelve) interface wiring.

Thetop housing section202 has aback portion212 that extends upwardly fromupper surface206 and is adjacent to slot207. Theback portion212 is contiguous withupper surface206 and is configured to support a portable electronic device in an upwardly angled position. As shown inFIG. 2B,media connectors214 are located in a lowerrear portion216 oftop housing section202. The media connectors can include standard jacks for connectivity to component video, composite video, stereo audio, HDMI, headphone, auxiliary input, USB, or the like.

Additional components ofdocking assembly200 are shown more clearly inFIGS. 3 and 4. Abezel220 is constructed to fit around the outer edges oftop housing section202. Thebezel220 encompasses and fastens other components in place including apad222, such as a silicon rubber pad, which is on acontact surface224 ofback portion212. Thefoam pad222 provides a cushion for a portable electronic device inserted into the docking station. Asilicon pad226 with pad plugs227 is attached tolip portion209 to prevent slippage of a supported portable electronic device. Aconnector sleeve228 fits aroundelectronic device connector208 to provide support. Themedia connectors214 communicate with a portable electronic device through adata connector218 located intop housing section202 as illustrated inFIG. 3.

The top andbottom housing sections202 and204 together form aninternal cavity230 as shown inFIG. 3. Amechanical interface232, such as a printed circuit board, is disposed incavity230 and is configured to provide a wired or wireless connection to a portable electronic device, docking station rotation, and portrait or landscape modes for the portable electronic device. As depicted inFIG. 4,various chip packages234 carrying integrated circuits can be mounted onmechanical interface232 in order to provide the different connectivity and control functions described previously.

Thebottom housing section204 has a mountingflange236 around anopening238 inhousing section204. Theflange236 has threadedapertures237 for receiving screws to connect the top andbottom housing sections202 and204 as shown inFIG. 3. Theflange236 has a raisedextension239 with openings therein for access tomedia connectors214 when the top andbottom housing sections202 and204 are connected together. Apower connector240 is disposed incavity230 belowmechanical interface232. Thepower connector240 is coupled toelectronic device connector208 at one end and has apower coupler242 at the other end that extends into aplug section244 attached to the underside ofhousing section204. Theplug section244 can be made of a Delrin plastic material (polyoxymethylene), and is configured to fit into a power receptacle of a cup holder as discussed hereafter.

FIG. 5 depicts thedocking assembly200, as shown inFIG. 3, inserted into acorresponding holding device260, which can be in the form of a cup holder. The holdingdevice260 includes anupper holding receptacle262 that receivesbottom housing section204 ofdocking assembly200. Asleeve insert263 coupled to abottom section264 of holdingreceptacle262 allowshousing section204 to fit snugly within holdingreceptacle262. Alower power receptacle265 receivesplug section244 when dockingassembly200 is inserted in holdingdevice260. Apower supply coupler266 extends intopower receptacle265 and mates withpower coupler242.

The holdingdevice260 also has asupport flange268 around an upper edge of holdingreceptacle262. Thesupport flange268 has anupper surface270 on whichupper housing section202 sits when dockingassembly200 is placed in holdingdevice260. A gasket, such as a felt gasket, can be placed betweenupper surface270 and the bottom surface offlange236 ofbottom housing section204. The gasket acts as a protective surface and a vibration dampener. A mountingbracket272 can be used to secure holdingdevice260 in place such as in the seat structure of an aircraft. An external support box (not shown) can be implemented as part of holdingdevice260 or can be externally connected to holdingdevice260. Thebottom housing section204 can be configured to rotate within holdingdevice260, allowingdocking assembly200 to be rotated for an optimum viewing angle while maintaining a fixed connection.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate an alternative configuration for a top housing section of adocking assembly300. Thedocking assembly300 can have a bottom housing section and internal structures similar to that shown and described fordocking assembly200. The top housing section ofdocking assembly300 has abase section302 having anupper surface304. Aback portion306 is contiguous withupper surface304 and is configured to support a portable electronic device in an upwardly angled position. Theupper surface304 has aslot308 in which anelectronic device connector310 resides. Arear portion312 contains a plurality ofmedia connectors314, which can include standard jacks for connectivity to component video, composite video, stereo audio, HDMI, headphone, auxiliary input, USB, and the like.

A pair of opposingsupport tabs316 is located onupper surface304 adjacent to opposite ends ofslot308. As shown inFIG. 7,support tabs316 are configured to support a portableelectronic device400 in a landscape mode. Thedocking assembly300 can also support portableelectronic device400 in a portrait mode as shown inFIG. 8.

Thedocking assembly300 provides connectivity to dock portableelectronic device400 via a single plug operation, wirelessly, or via COTS interface wiring. A cavity within thedocking assembly300 and/or an external support box can be used to house supporting circuitry. The supporting circuitry can also be mounted below a cup holder as part of the structural support of the cup holder.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternative configuration of a top housing section of adocking assembly350, for supporting portableelectronic device400 in a portrait or landscape mode. The top housing section ofdocking assembly350 includes essentially the same components as the top housing section ofdocking assembly300, but adds anauxiliary input jack360. Theinput jack360 can be located anywhere on dockingassembly350 where there is room.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate adocking station500 according to another embodiment. Thedocking station500 can be mounted in a drink cup rail, an arm rest surface, or the like, around the seat of a vehicle or crew station. Thedocking station500 has asupport cover502 for supporting a personal portableelectronic device520 in a horizontal position. Thesupport cover502 can be opened for access to a plurality ofjacks510 inside aconnector compartment512 belowsupport cover502. Thejacks510 provide connectivity to component video, composite video, HDMI, headphone, auxiliary input, USB, and the like. A cavity belowconnector compartment512, and/or an external box, can be used to house support circuitry. A universal power supply connection (e.g.,12 VDC car power adapter) can also be provided indocking station500.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show adocking station600 according to a further embodiment for supporting a personal portableelectronic device620 in an upright position. Thedocking station600 can be configured to be part of a drink rail or armrest for an aircraft seat. Thedocking station600 has anupper surface610 with anelongated slot612. Theslot612 has aconnector614 for coupling to portableelectronic device620. One or more input jacks616 can also be provided onupper surface610 to provide connectivity for portableelectronic device620.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims (15)

1. A docking station apparatus for interfacing a portable electronic device with one or more electrical systems of an aircraft, the apparatus comprising:

a docking assembly having an internal cavity and configured to hold the portable electronic device, the docking assembly configured to be installed adjacent to a seat in the aircraft;

a mechanical interface in the cavity of the docking assembly and configured to provide a wired or wireless connection to the portable electronic device;

a power supply conversion circuit for translating aircraft power levels to portable electronic device power levels; and

one or more support circuits or connectors that provide different connectivity functions for the portable electronic device, the support circuits or connectors comprising:

input audio/video connectors in the docking assembly to provide analog audio/video signals to an analog distribution hub;

an audio/video encoder and digital data connectors to provide digitally encoded audio/video signals in a wired or wireless mode to a digital distribution hub;

multiplexing circuitry to accept analog audio, composite video, or component video for multiplexing between externally supplied audio/video and locally generated audio/video; and

a command and control circuit to provide command and control data, and aircraft navigation data, to the portable electronic device in a wired or wireless mode,

wherein the docking assembly is configured to be placed in a cup holder and comprises:

a top housing section having an upper surface with an elongated slot, and a rear portion;

a bottom housing section coupled to the top housing section and having a substantially cylindrical shape;

a back portion that extends upwardly from the upper surface of the top housing section and configured to support the portable electronic device in an upwardly angled position;

one or more media connectors located in the rear portion of the top housing section; and

a lip portion on the upper surface in front of and adjacent to the slot, the lip portion configured to support the portable electronic device in a landscape mode position.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more support circuits or connectors are housed in the internal cavity of the docking assembly.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more support circuits or connectors are housed in an external support box for the docking assembly.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more support circuits or connectors comprise component or composite video connectors, stereo and surround connectors, a high-definition multimedia interface, a headphone jack, an auxiliary input jack, a USB port, optical fiber connectors, or a Bluetooth wireless interface.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the docking assembly is communicatively connected with an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system to transport signals between the IFE system and the portable electronic device.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein aircraft power is supplied directly or via integrated wiring from an aircraft power source to the power supply conversion circuit.

7. A docking station assembly comprising:

a top housing section having an upper surface with an elongated slot, and a rear portion;

at least one support member located on the upper surface adjacent to the slot, the at least one support member configured to support a portable electronic device in a landscape mode position;

a bottom housing section coupled to the top housing section and having a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the coupled top and bottom housing sections define an internal cavity;

a plug section attached to an underside of the bottom housing section;

a back portion that extends upwardly from the upper surface adjacent to the slot and configured to support the portable electronic device in an upwardly angled position;

an electronic device connector disposed in the slot and configured to couple with the portable electronic device;

one or more media connectors located in the rear portion of the top housing section; and

a mechanical interface located in the internal cavity, the mechanical interface configured to provide a wired or wireless connection to the portable electronic device, docking station rotation, and portrait or landscape modes for the portable electronic device.

8. The assembly ofclaim 7, wherein the media connectors communicate with the portable electronic device through a data connector located in the top housing section.

9. The assembly ofclaim 7, wherein the mechanical interface comprises a printed circuit board.

10. The assembly ofclaim 7, further comprising a power connector disposed in the internal cavity below the mechanical interface, the power connector coupled to the electronic device connector at one end and having a power coupler at the other end that extends into the plug section.

11. The assembly ofclaim 10, further comprising a holding device that includes an upper holding receptacle that receives the bottom housing section, and a lower power receptacle that receives the plug section.

12. The assembly ofclaim 11, further comprising a power supply coupler that extends into the power receptacle and mates with the power coupler.

13. A docking station apparatus for interfacing a portable electronic device with one or more electrical systems of an aircraft, the apparatus comprising:

a docking assembly having an internal cavity and configured to hold the portable electronic device, the docking assembly configured to be installed adjacent to a seat in the aircraft;

a mechanical interface in the cavity of the docking assembly and configured to provide a wired or wireless connection to the portable electronic device;

a power supply conversion circuit for translating aircraft power levels to portable electronic device power levels; and

one or more support circuits or connectors that provide different connectivity functions for the portable electronic device, the support circuits or connectors comprising:

input audio/video connectors in the docking assembly to provide analog audio/video signals to an analog distribution hub;

an audio/video encoder and digital data connectors to provide digitally encoded audio/video signals in a wired or wireless mode to a digital distribution hub;

multiplexing circuitry to accept analog audio, composite video, or component video for multiplexing between externally supplied audio/video and locally generated audio/video; and

a command and control circuit to provide command and control data, and aircraft navigation data, to the portable electronic device in a wired or wireless mode,

wherein the docking assembly is configured to be placed in a cup holder and comprises:

a base section having an upper surface with an elongated slot, and a rear portion;

a back portion that extends upwardly from the upper surface of the base section and configured to support the portable electronic device in an upwardly angled position;

one or more media connectors located in the rear portion of the base section; and

a pair of opposing support tabs on the upper surface of the base section adjacent to the slot, the support tabs configured to support the portable electronic device in a landscape mode position.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 13, further comprising at least one input jack in the upper surface of the base section.

15. A docking station apparatus for interfacing a portable electronic device with one or more electrical systems of an aircraft, the apparatus comprising:

a docking assembly having an internal cavity and configured to hold the portable electronic device, the docking assembly configured to be installed adjacent to a seat in the aircraft;

a mechanical interface in the cavity of the docking assembly and configured to provide a wired or wireless connection to the portable electronic device;

a power supply conversion circuit for translating aircraft power levels to portable electronic device power levels; and

one or more support circuits or connectors that provide different connectivity functions for the portable electronic device, the support circuits or connectors comprising:

input audio/video connectors in the docking assembly to provide analog audio/video signals to an analog distribution hub;

an audio/video encoder and digital data connectors to provide digitally encoded audio/video signals in a wired or wireless mode to a digital distribution hub;

multiplexing circuitry to accept analog audio, composite video, or component video for multiplexing between externally supplied audio/video and locally generated audio/video; and

a command and control circuit to provide command and control data, and aircraft navigation data, to the portable electronic device in a wired or wireless mode,

wherein:

the docking assembly is mounted in a drink cup rail around a seat in an aircraft or an arm rest surface around a seat in an aircraft, and

the docking station comprises:

a movable cover with a top surface for supporting the portable electronic device in a horizontal position; and

a connector compartment below the cover and housing an electronic device connector and one or more media jacks.

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